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Bachelor of Design (Applied Visual Art)

International Close Date: Please enquire

Prepare yourself for independent art practice in a studio environment.

This degree will enable you to become an independent art practitioner, photographer or designer. You’ll learn how to frame and develop creative ideas through hands-on interaction with a range of media, and you’ll gain professional and business skills for self-employment.

Core skills taught include design strategies, drawing, printmaking, painting, photography, and sculpture. In addition, you’ll choose three courses from a range of electives which will enable you to develop complementary skills in particular areas of interest.

As well as studio courses, you’ll complete a group of core courses in academic subjects. These include both professional and contextual studies, which will equip you with developed communication skills, a background in the history and sociology of creative practices, insights into contemporary professional ethics and some business skills.

Please note: This degree is currently undergoing its regulatory five-yearly review. Courses may change slightly once the review is approved. This will not affect your enrolment status.

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$7,627 - $8,486 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:

  • Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
  • Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR a qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework at Level 4 or above in a related discipline.

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Portfolio demonstrating art/design work

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

  • If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
  • Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

  • 5.5 Listening
  • 5.5 Reading
  • 5.5 Writing
  • 5.5 Speaking

Programme selection committees will ensure that the selection process is consistent across the five specialisations of the degree

These committees review applications received to determine which may be accepted.

The committees also establish criteria and a marking schedule by which all candidates are assessed

The selection committees are made up of tutors from the specialisations

Selection is designed to assess potential for a successful career in a design-related industry and is based on:

  • portfolio material

Those who are not initially accepted but who meet the standard are waitlisted in order of ranking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

Career opportunities

You will be well prepared to work within the wide and dynamic creative industries, either in companies or independently as a creative practitioner, craft cooperative designer, curator, gallery assistant, theatre/film/TV designer.

Our graduates work across areas like jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, illustration, fabric design and printing. They also take on design studio roles in a range of related industries including galleries, museums and theatres, or in art departments for film and television productions.

Study pathways

Graduates may choose to enrol in a wide range of programmes including postgraduate study:

  • Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours) (Wintec)
  • MFA (University of Canterbury)
  • PGDipFA (Massey)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Art and Design (AUT) (Honours)

Recommended school subjects

  • Design
  • Photography
  • Art
  • Graphics
  • English or English-rich subjects

Bachelor of Design (Applied Visual Art)

FULL-TIME - 3 Years

Prepare yourself for independent art practice in a studio environment.

Information
Type Degree
Code CH3756
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
International application close date Please enquire
Credits 360
Level 7
Additional Equipment/Fees $1000 per year
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
May be eligible for Fees Free? Yes
Reference CH3756-APPV

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$7,627 - $8,486 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid-19 vaccination status to apply for this programme, but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated from COVID-19 before allowing you to complete work at their organisation.

Enquire Now

With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

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Additional Entry Requirements

Portfolio demonstrating art/design work

See overview for more

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

Key Information for Students

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